Company

Sanrio

“Small Gift, Big Smile“. It’s more than just a catchy phrase; it’s the foundation of everything we do, and we’re proud to say we’ve been creating smiles for over 50 years.

Best known for global icon Hello Kitty, Sanrio offers a portfolio of more than 400 characters able to fulfil every need positioning and target-wise. Other characters include My Melody, Little Twin Stars, CharmmyKitty, Kerokerokeroppi,Bad Badtz-Maru, Chococat and the British icon Mr. Men and Little Miss. Sanrio designs, develops, distributes and licenses a unique collection of branded gifts, stationery and fashion accessory items while collaborating with the most respected companies in the world.

Sanrio GmbH

Sanrio GmbH is the European headquarter that coordinates the development of the EMEA Market. Sanrio GmbH began in 1980 with a small corner in department store in Germany and distributes products throughout East and West Europe, Russia, Middle East and Africa.

Other Countries

Our Philosophy

"Small gift, big smile"

Sanrio is founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. We believe that a gift is more than just a gift. Rather, a gift is a means of expressing our heartfelt feeling for others. This philosophy guides all Sanrio activities, we invite all our friends and guests to experience the magic of these four simple words.

HISTORY

Sanrio through the years

1960

August – As the first step towards building a Social Communication Business, Shintaro Tsuji establishes Yamanashi Silk Center Co., Ltd. with 1 million yen in capital.

1962

Sanrio’s first original character design, Strawberry, is produced.

1969

December – Sanrio Greetings Co., Ltd. is established.

1960s

1971

December – The first “Gift Gate” shop is opened in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo.

1973

April – The company is officially established under its new name, Sanrio Company Co., Ltd. Head office is moved to Gotanda, in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward.

1973

June – The first Sanrio Salon restaurant is opened in Gotanda TOC building, Tokyo.

October – Sanrio Greetings Co., Ltd. is merged with Sanrio Co., Ltd. Film production activities commence.

1974

The characters Hello Kitty, Patty & Jimmy are created.

December – Sanrio Film Corporation of America (currently Sanrio, Inc.) is established in Hollywood, California. U.S. film production and distribution activities commence.

1975

March – Sales of the first Hello Kitty product (small coin purse) begin.

April – The monthly print publication ‘Strawberry News’ is launched.

August – Sanrio’s first step into the commercial film industry comes with the release of the animated feature Little Jumbo. The characters Little Twin Stars and My Melody are created.

1976

April – Character merchandise licensing begins.

May – Sanrio, Inc. is established in San Jose, California.

1978

April – The movie ‘Who Are the DeBolts?’ And ‘Where Did They Get Nineteen Kids?’ wins an American Academy Award in the documentary feature category.

May – Sanrio launches its first 70mm animated feature, ‘Winds of Change’ (a.k.a. ‘Metamorphosis’), in the U.S.

1980

May – A branch office (currently Sanrio G.m.b.H.) is opened in Hamburg, Germany to coordinate development of the European market.

1982

April – Sanrio is listed on the second section of the Tokyo stock Exchange.

1984

January – Sanrio’s listing is moved to the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

1985

October – Sanrio’s first for-TV animated cartoon ‘Button Nose’ airs.

1987

January – Head office moves from Gotanda to Osaki, also in Shinagawa Ward. Sanrio Communication World Co., Ltd. (currently Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd.) is established as operating company for Sanrio Puroland.